Merafong Faces Substation Setbacks as Repairs Continue at Frikkie Van Der Merwe Facility

Planned Upgrades Lead to New Technical Hurdles

The Frikkie Van Der Merwe Substation in Merafong, a key part of the local power supply network, has been undergoing critical upgrades and maintenance since early September. While the initial shutdown was aimed at ensuring long-term reliability, new technical faults have since emerged, delaying the restoration of stable electricity to residents.

On 10 September 2025, contractors, working with the manufacturer, carried out essential upgrades under an approved shutdown. The work was completed on the same day by late afternoon, but subsequent testing revealed fresh complications in two of the facility’s main transformers.

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Transformer Challenges and Diagnostic Results

The first issue arose on 11 September, when the 10 MVA transformer unexpectedly tripped, a sign of possible internal faults. Engineers on-site confirmed that the equipment would need to be transported to the manufacturer’s workshop for more detailed diagnosis and repair. The move is scheduled for 16 September 2025, after which a clearer repair timeline will be established.

Attention then shifted to the 5 MVA transformer, which had recently undergone repairs and was expected to help stabilise supply. It was successfully reconnected and energised on 12 September, but failed twice during testing:

• During the first attempt, it ran for about five minutes before shutting down due to gas accumulation detected by Buchholz protection.

• A second attempt resulted in an immediate trip, this time showing a Standby Earth Fault.

Further diagnostic testing on 13 September revealed a serious defect on the white-phase winding. Experts confirmed that this type of fault cannot be repaired on-site, requiring the unit to be transported to the manufacturer’s warehouse.

Repair Process and Timeline

The municipality has stated that repairs to the 5 MVA transformer may take three to five days, depending on the extent of the damage. The process will include full inspection, in-depth testing, and subsequent acceptance trials before the transformer can return to service.

With both transformers now requiring manufacturer-level intervention, residents are likely to face continued disruptions. However, officials have emphasized that updates will be shared as soon as assessments and timelines are confirmed.

Impact on Residents and Way Forward

For the community, the delays mean ongoing uncertainty around power supply. While the situation is disruptive, municipal officials stress that the additional steps are necessary to ensure safety and long-term reliability of the electricity network.

Municipal Manager Dumisani D. Mabuza has apologized for the inconvenience, noting that every effort is being made to restore supply as quickly and safely as possible.

The challenges at Frikkie Van Der Merwe highlight the delicate balance between urgent infrastructure upgrades and unforeseen technical complications. As work continues, residents are advised to prepare for intermittent disruptions, with reassurance that stability remains the ultimate goal.

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